As the calendar turns and we welcome the new year, many of us feel a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. It’s a natural time to reflect on our lives and set intentions for positive change. One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is the commitment to daily practices that nurture our body, mind, and soul. Yoga, with its holistic approach to health and well-being, provides the perfect foundation for such routines.
In this article, I’ll share three powerful daily routines inspired by the teachings of Selvaraj Yesudian’s book Yoga and Sport that you can start today to set the tone for a balanced and fulfilling year.
1. Morning pranayama and stretching
The morning is a sacred time to prepare your body and mind for the day ahead. A short practice of pranayama (breathing exercises) paired with simple stretching can energize your system, enhance your focus, and boost your mood.
Pranayama Practice
Begin with a few minutes of mindful breathing. This practice calms the mind and centers your energy:
- Sit comfortably: find a cross-legged position or sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
- Practice Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing):
- Close your right nostril with your thumb and inhale deeply through your left nostril (4 heart beats)
- Close your nostrils and hold your breath (16 heart beats)
- Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your thumb, and exhale through your right nostril (8 heart beats)
- Inhale through your right nostril, then switch and exhale through your left nostril.
- Continue this cycle for 3-5 times, maintaining a steady rhythm.
This exercise balances the nervous system and prepares you for the physical stretches.
Stretching sequence
Follow pranayama with a 10-minute full-body stretch to wake up your joints and muscles:
- Stretch upwards: Stand tall, interlock your fingers, and stretch your arms overhead. Hold your breath and posture for 16 heart beats.
- Head circling: Gently and slowly rotate your head clockwise and counterclockwise, your movement should follow your breath.
- Wrist, shoulder, and elbow circles: Loosen these key joints with circular motions, your movement should follow your breath.
- Trunk twists: Place your hands on your hips and twist your upper body side to side, your movement should follow your breath.
- Hip circles: Rotate your hips clockwise and counterclockwise, your movement should follow your breath.
- Knee and ankle rotations: Warm up your lower joints with gentle circular movements.
- Forward bend: Stand tall and fold forward, touching your palms to the ground if possible, your movement should follow your breath.
- Downward and upward facing dog: Perform 16 repetitions of transitioning between these poses, synchronizing breath with movement.
- Cat and cow stretch: On all fours, alternate between arching and rounding your back.
- Seated forward bend: Sit on your heels and fold forward, resting your forehead on the ground if possible.
This gentle sequence awakens your body, enhances circulation, and prepares you for the day.
2. 10-minute mindfulness meditation
The second routine is a simple yet transformative practice: mindfulness meditation. Setting aside just 10 minutes a day to focus on your breath can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and cultivate inner peace.
How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation
- Find a quiet space: Sit comfortably in a chair, on the floor, or on a cushion. Keep your back straight but relaxed.
- Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and bring your attention to the natural rhythm of your breathing. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils.
- Anchor your mind: When your thoughts wander (and they will), gently guide your attention back to your breath without judgment.
- Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of your practice without worrying about the clock.
With consistent practice, mindfulness meditation trains your mind to stay present, helping you navigate daily challenges with greater clarity and composure.
3. Evening Hatha yoga
After a long day, practicing hatha yoga can be the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with yourself. Based on Selvaraj Yesudian’s teachings, this practice combines gentle movements and mindful breathing to release tension and restore balance.
Hatha Yoga sequence
This short evening routine is ideal for releasing stress and preparing your body for restful sleep:
- Start with full breathing then alternate nostril breathing.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana): Start in a kneeling position, then fold forward, stretching your arms out in front of you. Hold for 8 breaths.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach, place your hands under your shoulders, while breathing in gently lift your chest. Hold your breath for 16 heart beats. Slowly exhale while leaning back to the ground.
- Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Lay on your back. Breathe in while moving your arms above your head. Breathe out while sitting up and reach forward. Then breathe in while laying back. Repeat it 3 times.
- Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana): Sit with one leg bent and the other leg crossed over. Twist your upper body towards the bent knee. Hold it for 8 breaths. Repeat on the other side.
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back, bend your knees, breathe in and lift your hips, keeping your feet flat on the ground. Hold your breath and posture for 16 heart beats.
- Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): Lie on your back and lift your legs, arms should support your hips. Relax here for a few minutes.
- Plow Pose (Halasana): Lay on your back, breathe in while moving your arms above your head, then breathe out while moving your arms forward and legs behind your head. Hold your breath (empty hold) and the posture for 8-16 heart beats.
Each pose in this sequence helps to release stored tension, improve flexibility, and calm the nervous system. End your practice with a few minutes of Savasana (Corpse Pose), lying on your back and focusing on your breath.
Why These Routines Work
The routines outlined above are not just exercises; they are practices that align your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here’s why they’re so effective:
- Morning routine: Prepares you for the day with energy and clarity.
- Midday meditation: Offers a mental reset, keeping you grounded and focused.
- Evening yoga: Releases accumulated tension, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
A Commitment to Yourself
The key to making these routines a part of your life is consistency. Start small and be gentle with yourself – even five minutes of practice can make a difference. Over time, these routines will become a natural and cherished part of your day.
As you step into the new year, remember that each moment is an opportunity to cultivate balance and harmony. Let these daily routines guide you towards a healthier, happier, and more mindful life.
Here’s to a year filled with growth, peace, and well-being. Namaste!